U.S. patent number 6,237,249 [Application Number 09/298,276] was granted by the patent office on 2001-05-29 for convertible slide and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to South Cone, Inc.. Invention is credited to Santiago J. Aguerre.
United States Patent |
6,237,249 |
Aguerre |
May 29, 2001 |
Convertible slide and method
Abstract
A convertible slide and method for slide-type sandals typically
used in the out-of-doors includes rubber and synthetic materials
and exhibits a lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible
construction including a midsole for supporting a foot. A vamp is
securely attached to the midsole for covering the foot and includes
a pair of outwardly extending studs for providing a pair of pivot
points. A rear heel strap is provided for securing the convertible
slide to the foot. The heel strap is rotatively connected to the
pair of outwardly extending studs for rotating between a first
lowered position about the heel of the foot and a second raised
position above the vamp. Finally, an outsole is bonded to the
midsole for contacting the ground surface. In a first alternative
embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a
pair of rivets while in a second alternative embodiment, the pair
of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a pair of threaded
screws.
Inventors: |
Aguerre; Santiago J. (La Jolla,
CA) |
Assignee: |
South Cone, Inc. (San Diego,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23149821 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/298,276 |
Filed: |
April 22, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/11.5; 36/30R;
36/59R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
3/103 (20130101); A43B 3/105 (20130101); A43B
3/122 (20130101); A43B 3/126 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
3/12 (20060101); A43B 3/10 (20060101); A43B
003/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;36/11.5,100,101,59R,59A,28,3R,31 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1183183 |
|
Jul 1959 |
|
FR |
|
359913 |
|
Apr 1930 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Sewell; Paul T.
Assistant Examiner: Mohandesi; Jila M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lewis, D'Amato, Brisbois &
Bisgaard, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A convertible slide comprising:
a midsole for supporting a foot;
a vamp securely attached to said midsole for covering said foot,
said vamp including a pair of outwardly extending studs for
providing a pair of pivot points;
a rear heel strap for securing said convertible slide to said foot,
said heel strap being connected to said pair of studs for rotating
between a first lowered position about the heel of said foot and a
second raised position above said vamp; and
an outsole bonded to said midsole for contacting a ground surface,
said outsole comprising a plurality of discrete pieces of rugged
material bonded within a corresponding plurality of recesses formed
in the bottom of said midsole, said bottom of said midsole and said
outsole being at the same level.
2. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said midsole is
comprised of ethylene vinyl acetate.
3. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said midsole further
includes a toe bar.
4. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said midsole further
includes an instep arch support.
5. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said vamp is comprised
of polyvinylchloride.
6. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said vamp includes a
smooth contoured surface for supporting said rear heel strap in
said second raised position.
7. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said vamp further
includes a contoured lip for retaining said rear heel strap in said
second raised position.
8. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said vamp includes a
plurality of ventilation holes.
9. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said rear heel strap is
comprised of elastic polyvinylchloride.
10. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said rear heel strap
is comprised of silicon.
11. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said rear heel strap
includes a pair of terminal ends wherein each of said terminal ends
includes a penetration and wherein each of said pair of outwardly
extending studs passes through a corresponding one of said
penetrations.
12. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein each of said outwardly
extending studs includes a mechanical stop for retaining said rear
heel strap on each of said outwardly extending studs.
13. The convertible slide of claim 1 wherein said outsole is
comprised of rubber.
14. The convertible slide of claim 1 further including a cushioned
fabric mesh layer bonded to a top surface of said midsole for
providing improved comfort and ventilation to said foot.
15. A convertible slide comprising:
a midsole for supporting a foot;
a vamp securely attached to said midsole for covering said
foot;
a pair of fasteners, each of said fasteners passing through one of
a corresponding pair of penetrations formed through said vamp and
said midsole;
a rear heel strap for securing said convertible slide to said foot,
said heel strap being connected to said pair of fasteners for
rotating between a first lowered position about the heel of said
foot and a second raised position above said vamp; and
an outsole bonded to said midsole for contacting a ground surface,
said outsole comprising a plurality of discrete pieces of rugged
material bonded within a corresponding plurality of recesses formed
in the bottom of said midsole, said bottom of said midsole and said
outsole being at the same level.
16. The convertible slide of claim 15 wherein said pair of
fasteners comprises a pair of rivets.
17. The convertible slide of claim 16 wherein each of said pair of
rivets further includes at least one washer separator for
facilitating the rotation of said rear heel strap.
18. The convertible slide of claim 15 wherein said pair of
fasteners includes a pair of threaded screws.
19. The convertible slide of claim 18 wherein each of said pair of
threaded screws further includes a T-nut for locking said threaded
screws in place.
20. The convertible slide of claim 19 wherein each of said T-nuts
is positioned within a recess formed within a side portion of said
midsole.
21. The convertible slide of claim 15 further including a cushioned
fabric mesh layer bonded to a top surface of said midsole for
providing improved comfort and ventilation to said foot.
22. A convertible slide comprising:
a midsole for supporting a foot;
a vamp securely attached to said midsole for covering said foot,
said vamp including a pair of outwardly extending studs for
providing a pair of pivot points;
a rear heel strap for securing said convertible slide to said foot,
said heel strap being connected to said pair of studs for rotating
between a first lowered position about the heel of said foot and a
second raised position above said vamp;
a contoured lip formed on said vamp for retaining said rear heel
strap in said second raised position; and
an outsole bonded to said midsole for contacting a ground surface,
said outsole comprising a plurality of discrete pieces of rugged
material bonded within a corresponding plurality of recesses formed
in the bottom of said midsole, said bottom of said midsole and said
outsole being at the same level.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to footwear. More specifically, the
present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a slide-type
sandal having a rear heel strap that is rotatable about pivot
points to facilitate use of the sandal with or without the rear
heel strap and without disassembling the sandal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art is directed to methods and apparatus for the
construction of sandal type footwear. Sandals are one of the first
types of footwear known to mankind and are mentioned in early
recorded history. Early sandals included a flat component formed of
a suitable material such as leather that served as a sole. The flat
sole was placed under the foot to provide protection against the
ground surface.
Various methods to attach the sandal to the foot are also known. An
example includes the use of a suitable material such as leather to
attach the sole of the sandal to the toes or ankle of the foot. In
more recent times, a component of the sandal identified as a vamp
and which covers the instep of the foot has been employed. The vamp
is connected to the sole so that the sandal can be attached to the
foot. The vamp may only partially cover the top of the foot so that
the toes extend outward into the open air. In the alternative, the
vamp may cover most of the top of the foot or even enclose the
entire forward portion of the foot.
In the type of sandal that includes a vamp, the foot is positioned
between the sole and the vamp. The sandal may be utilized in this
manner without employing any additional means of attaching the
sandal to the foot. This type of footwear is sometimes referred to
as a "slide" because the foot enters the sandal by sliding since
there is no structure to grab onto while donning the sandal.
Further, this type of footwear has also been referred to as
"flip-flops" because of the noise created by the tail end of the
sole striking the heel of the user when walking. Under these
conditions, the sandal is only loosely attached to the foot and is
useful for more leisurely types of activities. More active types of
activities requiring quicker movements could result in the sandal
becoming inadvertently disconnected from the foot which might be
undesirable.
Sandals that include a vamp can also employ additional means for
attaching the sandal to the foot. For example, a suitable material
such as leather can be used in strips to tie the sole and/or the
vamp of the sandal to the foot. However, it has been known to
employ a rear heel strap that is connected to the sandal. The rear
heel strap can be connected to the vamp or other structural
component of the sandal. The rear heel strap is used to wrap around
the heel of the foot to ensure that the sandal remains attached to
the foot.
Some sandals known in the prior art employ a rear heel strap that
can be disconnected from the sandal. To achieve this disconnect
feature, the sandal can incorporate buckles, hook and eye fasteners
and other types of mechanical fasteners to connect and disconnect
at least one end of the rear heel strap to and from the sandal.
Typically, this type of sandal would only be used with the rear
heel strap since only one end of the rear heel strap could be
disconnected. If both ends of the rear heel strap could be
disconnected, the sandal could be used as a "slide" or "flip-flop".
However, this would require the time and energy to physically
remove the rear heel strap. Once removed, it would be necessary to
store or carry the rear heel strap to prevent loss thereof. Since
sandals are often used at the beach and at swimming pools, storage
of the rear heel strap in order to avoid loss could be
inconvenient. This is the case since beachwear normally worn at the
seashore and around swimming pools often does not include
pockets.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a sandal that includes a vamp
attached to the sole and having an elastic rear heel strap that is
rotatable about a pair of pivot points so that the rear heel strap
can be pivoted between a lowered position about the heel of the
foot and a rotated raised position over the arch of the foot and
vice versa by employing simple foot manipulation to rotate the
strap so that the sandal can be utilized with or without the
elastic rear heel strap without disassembling the sandal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new
and improved convertible slide type sandal typically worn as
footwear in the out-of-doors during the warm months of the year.
However, the convertible slide can be used indoors as well as at
the beach or the swimming pool. The novel and non-obvious
convertible slide exhibits a cushioned midsole upon which a human
foot rests. The midsole is attached to a durable outsole which
contacts the ground surface. Bonded to the midsole and arching over
the top of the foot is a vamp. The vamp covers only a portion of
the human forefoot resulting in an open-toed footwear. Pivotably
attached to the vamp is a rear heel strap used to assist in
securing the convertible slide to the human foot. The components of
the convertible slide are comprised of rubber and manmade synthetic
cushioning materials. Further, the convertible slide exhibits a
lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible construction and is
economical to manufacture.
The rear heel strap of the inventive convertible slide is elastic
or other flexible material to facilitate attaching the sandal to
the foot. The elastic rear heel strap can be connected to the vamp
by one of several different methods. In a preferred embodiment, the
vamp includes a pair of outwardly extending studs comprised of, for
example, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and molded directly to the side of
the vamp. The pair of outwardly extending studs serve as pivot
points for a pair of terminal ends of the rear heel strap. The
terminal ends of the rear heel strap each include a penetration for
passing over a corresponding one of the pair of outwardly extending
studs. Each of the outwardly extending studs includes a mechanical
stop for retaining the rear heel strap on each of the outwardly
extending studs. The construction of the present invention enables
the rear heel strap to be rotated between a first lowered position
about the heel of the foot to a second raised position above the
vamp without disassembling the sandal. The top rear surface of the
vamp includes a contoured lip that retains the rear heel strap in
the second raised position.
The present invention is generally directed to a convertible slide
type sandal typically used in the out-of-doors and comprised of
rubber and synthetic materials for exhibiting a lightweight robust,
high-strength, flexible construction. In its most fundamental
embodiment, the convertible slide comprises a construction having a
midsole for supporting a foot. A vamp is securely attached to the
midsole for covering the foot and includes a pair of outwardly
extending studs for providing a pair of pivot points. A rear heel
strap is provided for securing the convertible slide to the foot.
The heel strap is rotatively connected to the pair of outwardly
extending studs for rotating between a first lowered position about
the heel of the foot and a second raised position above the vamp.
Finally, an outsole is bonded to the midsole for contacting the
ground surface. Also, the midsole can be comprised of ethylene
vinyl acetate, the outsole can be comprised of rubber and both the
vamp and the rear heel strap can be comprised of
polyvinylchloride.
In a first alternative embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending
studs are replaced by a pair of rivets that are used to attach the
rear heel strap to the midsole and vamp. The pair of rivets are
installed through appropriately placed penetrations formed in the
midsole and vamp. A pair of nylon washers are utilized to separate
the elastic rear heel strap from other components and to facilitate
the rotation thereof. In a second alternative embodiment, the pair
of outwardly extending studs and the pair of rivets are replaced by
a pair of threaded screws. The pair of threaded screws are also
installed through appropriately placed penetrations formed in the
midsole and vamp. Each of the threaded screws cooperate with a
correspondingly threaded T-nut that is installed in a recess on the
inside surface of the midsole. In this second embodiment, the
threaded screw and thus the rear heel strap is removable.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following more detailed description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which
illustrate the invention, by way of example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible slide of the
present invention showing a rear heel strap in a lowered position
so as to be fitted about the back of the heel of a human foot.
FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the convertible slide
of FIG. 1 showing the rear heel strap in a rotated raised position
and resting forward of a contoured lip on the rear side of a
vamp.
FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the convertible slide of
FIG. 1 showing the rear heel strap in the rotated raised position
and resting forward of the contoured lip on the rear side of the
vamp.
FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the convertible slide of
FIG. 1 showing the rear heel strap in the rotated raised position
and resting forward of the contoured lip on the rear side of the
vamp.
FIG. 5 is a top planar view of the convertible slide of FIG. 1 with
the vamp removed and showing a foot bed including a toe bar and an
instep arch support upon which the human foot rests.
FIG. 6 is a bottom planar view of the convertible slide of FIG. 1
showing the outsole secured to the bottom of the midsole.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the convertible
slide of FIG. 1 taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6 and showing the
outsole secured to the bottom of the midsole.
FIG. 8 is a first transverse cross-sectional view of the
convertible slide of FIG. 1 taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 6 and
showing the outsole secured to the bottom of the midsole.
FIG. 9 is a second transverse cross-sectional view of the
convertible slide of FIG. 1 taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 6 and
showing the instep arch support and the outsole secured to the
bottom of the midsole.
FIG. 10 is a third transverse cross-sectional view of the
convertible slide of FIG. 1 taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 6 and
showing the outsole secured to the bottom of the midsole.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the convertible slide of FIG.
1 taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 2 showing the preferred
embodiment of attaching the terminal ends of the rear heel strap to
the vamp via an integral stud.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment
of the convertible slide of the present invention showing a second
method of attaching the terminal ends of the rear heel strap to the
vamp via a rivet.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative
embodiment of the convertible slide of the present invention
showing a third method of attaching the terminal ends of the rear
heel strap to the vamp via a screw.
FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the convertible slide of FIG. 1
showing the front of the stud, rivet or screw of FIGS. 11, 12 or
13, respectively, utilized to retain the terminal ends of the rear
heel strap to the vamp.
FIG. 15 is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 showing
a cushioned mesh fabric layer or other synthetic or leather layer
mounted to the top of the midsole.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a convertible slide 100, i.e., a
slide-type sandal, having an elastic and flexible rear heel strap
102 which is pivotably attached to a vamp 104 and where, in a
preferred embodiment, the rear heel strap 102 is rotatable about a
pair of outwardly extending studs 106 which serve as pivot points
to facilitate use of the convertible slide 100 with or without the
rear heel strap 102, all without disassembling the sandal. In the
lowered position, the rear heel strap 102 fits snugly behind the
heel to secure the convertible slide 100 to the human foot.
However, in the rotated raised position, the rear heel strap 102 is
securely retained in the raised position by a contoured lip 108
molded to the top rear side of the vamp 104. The bottom of the foot
is supported by a cushioned midsole 110 positioned above and sealed
to a rugged outsole 112 to provide a lightweight robust
construction.
The preferred embodiment of the convertible slide 100 is best shown
in FIGS. 1-4. The cushioned midsole 110 of the convertible slide
100 is a main component of the present invention since each of the
other components are attached thereto. The midsole 110 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is a molded component and can be comprised of
ethylene vinyl acetate known in the art as "EVA". Portions on the
bottom of the midsole 110 contact the floor or ground surface while
the top of the midsole 110 supports a human foot. The midsole 110
includes a forward section that curls upward in the forefoot area
and is known as a toe bumper 114 as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2 but
also in FIGS. 3-4, 7 and 15. Likewise, the midsole 110 includes a
rearward section that curls upward in the heel area and is known as
a heel bumper 116 also shown in FIGS. 1-4, 7 and 15. Both the toe
bumper 114 and the heel bumper 116 are an integral molded part of
the midsole 110. The full length of the midsole 110 is clearly
shown in FIGS. 7 and 15.
The midsole 110 not only includes the forefoot toe bumper 114 and
the rearward heel bumper 116 that wrap about the foot, it also
includes a continuous side portion 118 about the convertible slide
100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The side portion 118 rises up along the
side of the foot as part of the midsole 110 as is also clearly
shown in FIGS. 8-11. FIGS. 8-10 each illustrate cross-sectional
views taken at different locations along the long dimension of the
convertible slide 100, i.e., across the forefoot, arch and heel
sections of the sandal, respectively. As can be seen from FIGS.
8-10, the height and width of the side portion 118 varies along the
length dimension of the convertible slide 100. Thus, the dimension
of the side portion 118 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 can be seen to vary
at different locations around the circumference of the sandal by
referring to FIGS. 8-10.
In addition to the toe bumper 114, the heel bumper 116 and the side
portion 118, the mold of the midsole 110 wraps underneath to form
the bottom of the convertible slide 100 to support the bottom of
the foot. Reference should be made to FIGS. 6-10 which show the
bottom portion of the molded midsole 110 that interfaces with the
rugged outsole 112 of the convertible slide 100. In particular,
FIGS. 7-10 clearly show the molded midsole 110 extending from the
side portion 118 downward on both sides and integral with that
portion of the midsole 110 that forms the bottom of the sandal. As
is clearly shown, a plurality of recesses 120 are formed in the
bottom of the midsole 110 for receiving pieces or sections of
rubber or synthetic material which form the rugged outsole 112. The
rubber pieces that form the outsole 112 are shown located within
the recesses 120. Further, the sections of rubber that form the
outsole 112 are positioned at the same level as the immediately
adjacent portions of the midsole 110 as shown in FIGS. 7-10. Thus,
the surface of the outsole 112 and consequently the bottom surface
of the convertible slide 100 remains flat which is necessary in
order to avoid unbalancing the sandal and interfering with the
walking pattern of the person wearing the sandal.
The interface between the bottom portion of the midsole 110 and the
outsole 112 is clearly shown in FIG. 6. As can be seen, a pattern
of oval shaped pieces or sections of rubber or other rugged
synthetic material are affixed within the recesses 120 formed in
the bottom of the outsole 110. By forming the outsole 112 in
separated discrete pieces as shown in FIG. 6, the overall weight of
the convertible slide 100 is reduced resulting in a lighter weight
sandal. Lightweight sandals are typically more desirable since they
represent a reduced load that must be carried by the foot.
Notwithstanding the reduced weight load, the construction of the
convertible slide 100 of the present invention is rugged and
robust.
The discrete pieces of rubber that form the outsole 112 are bonded
to the underlying midsole 110 within the recesses 120 with a
suitable adhesive known in the footwear manufacturing art. The
individual pieces of rubber that form the outsole 112 include a
plurality of suitable treads as shown in FIG. 6. The treads of the
individual pieces of rubber that form the outsole 112 are oriented
so as to generate traction on the floor or ground surface when
walking. It is clear from FIGS. 7-10 that the outsole 112 makes
contact with the floor or ground surface. However, it is equally
clear that the midsole 110 which is positioned at the same level as
the outsole 112 also makes contact with the floor or ground surface
at selected points on the bottom of the convertible slide 100.
The surface upon which the human foot rests within the convertible
slide 100 is referred to as the "foot bed". In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the "foot bed" is the top
surface 122 of the midsole 110 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-10 but
is best shown in FIG. 5. The midsole 110 is cushioned and typically
is comprised of ethylene vinyl acetate (i.e., "EVA"). The top
surface 122 of the midsole 110 can be contoured to fit the shape of
the human foot to improve comfort as is shown in the planar view of
FIG. 5. The circumference of the midsole 110 shown in FIG. 5 is
intended to indicate the side portion 118. Positioned in a
transverse manner in the forefoot portion of the convertible slide
100 is a toe bar 124. The toe bar 124 is molded to the top surface
122 of the midsole 110 and is utilized by the toes of the foot to
grip the top surface 122 for stabilizing the convertible slide 100,
i.e., to improve the grip of the toes on the sandal. Also molded to
the top surface 122 of the midsole 110 is an instep arch support
125 as is clearly shown in FIG. 5. The instep arch support 125 is a
subtle rise molded into the top surface 122 that supports the arch
portion of the foot. In addition to the toe bar 124 and the instep
arch support 125, the foot is bounded by the toe bumper 114 and the
heel bumper 116 when the foot rests on the top surface 122 of the
midsole 110.
If additional cushioning and air circulation is desired when
wearing the convertible slide 100, a fabric can be attached to the
top surface 122 of the midsole 110 by a suitable adhesive well
known in the art. The fabric can include a combination of materials
ranging from synthetic-to-leather materials. In the preferred
embodiment, a suitable fabric could include a foam material 126
adhered to a fabric backing incorporated within a mesh material
128. This combination of materials employed to form the fabric is
shown mounted upon the top surface 122 of the midsole 110 in FIG.
15. The addition of the foam material 126 and the mesh material 128
is the only feature that distinguishes FIG. 15 from FIG. 7. The
surface upon which the human foot rests in FIG. 15, i.e., the "foot
bed", is now the fabric comprised of the foam material 126 and the
mesh material 128. The foam material 126 improves the cushioning
previously provided by the midsole 110. Additionally, the mesh
material 128 functions to improve the circulation of air underneath
the foot to reduce perspiration and related problems. It is noted
that these fabric materials are only exemplary and alternative
materials suitable for use in improving cushioning and ventilation
can also be utilized.
The vamp 104 is clearly shown arching over and attached to the
midsole 110 in FIGS. 1-4. The vamp 104 is defined as that part of
the convertible de 100 that covers the instep of the foot where the
instep is the arched portion of the foot that rests upon the instep
arch support 125 shown in FIG. 5. The vamp 104 is preferably
comprised of polyvinylchloride (PVC) but can also be formed from
rubber, silicon or a PVC-rubber combination. The vamp 104 is
clearly shown in FIG. 1 and is bonded to the midsole 110. Reference
to FIGS. 8-10 clearly show the side portions 118 of the midsole
110. The side portions 118 extend upward around the forefoot, the
arch and the heel portion of the midsole 110 as shown consecutively
in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, respectively. It is noted that the side
portions 118 are diminished in size along the long dimension of the
convertible slide 100 from front to rear in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10,
respectively. Further, FIGS. 7 and 15 show the long dimension of
the upward extending side portions 118.
It is the side portions 118 extending upward from the midsole 110
that are employed to bond the vamp 104 to the midsole 110 as can be
seen in FIGS. 1-4. Reference to FIG. 11 shows the upward extending
side portion 118 interfacing with the vamp 104 in the preferred
embodiment of the convertible slide 100. The bonding of the side
portions 118 to the vamp 104 is accomplished by the use of a
suitable adhesive well known in the footwear manufacturing arts.
The vamp 104 extends from the forefoot area back to just behind the
arch area as can be seen in FIGS. 1-4. Because the vamp 104
terminates in the forefoot area, the forward portion of the
convertible slide 100 is open-air. Notwithstanding the open-air
design, the top of the vamp 104 can include a plurality of openings
130 which increase the ventilation flow. Further, the plurality of
openings 130 can be shaped to enhance the ornamental and cosmetic
features of the sandal. The top rear portion of the vamp 104 also
includes a smooth contoured surface 132 which is somewhat concave
and extends the entire width of the vamp 104 as shown in FIG. 1.
Additionally, the contoured lip 108 is molded onto the rear
boundary of the contoured surface 132. The contoured surface 132
and the contoured lip 108 will be discussed in more detail in
conjunction with the elastic rear heel strap 102 hereinbelow.
Extending outward from and molded to the vamp 104 on each side of
the convertible slide 100 is the pair of peg-like studs 106. Each
of the studs 106 is preferably comprised of polyvinylchloride (PVC)
since they are molded to the vamp 104 and must be compatible
therewith. However, the studs 106 can also be fabricated from other
materials consistent with the material of the vamp 104 such as
rubber, silicon or a PVC-rubber combination. One of the pair of
studs 106 is clearly illustrated in FIG. 11 and is shown extending
outward in an orthogonal manner from the vamp 104. The length of
each of the studs 106 is slightly longer than the width of the
elastic rear heel strap 102. Additionally, the circumference of
each of the outwardly extending studs 106 is slightly smaller than
the diameter of a penetration 134 formed in each of a pair of
terminal ends 136 associated with the rear heel strap 102. In the
preferred embodiment, each of the studs 106 is passed through the
corresponding penetration 134 of one of the terminal ends 136 for
rotatively attaching the rear heel strap 102 to the vamp 104.
Each of the peg-like studs 106 that extend outward from the side of
the vamp 104 also includes a stop 138 as is clearly shown in FIG.
11. The stop 138 can assume the shape of a button or a mushroom as
is clearly shown in FIGS. 1-4. The exterior face of the stop 138 is
shaped to resemble the head of a screw having a pair of
cross-grooves for accommodating a screwdriver. However, it should
be understood that the vamp 104, the pair of studs 106 and the stop
138 are integrally formed of PVC and do not rotate. Thus, the screw
head shape of the exterior face of the stop 138 is only cosmetic in
nature.
The function of each of the stops 138 is to prevent the terminal
ends 136 of the elastic rear heel strap 102 from sliding off of the
corresponding outwardly extending stud 106. Thus, each of the stops
138 prevents the rear heel strap 102 from escaping the confines of
the corresponding outwardly extending stud 106 whether the heel
strap 102 is wrapped about the heel of the foot or is being rotated
about the stud 106. Thus, the penetration 134 in the terminal ends
136 of the rear heel strap 102 must be large enough and the length
of the outwardly extending studs 106 must be long enough so that
the rear heel strap 102 can be freely rotated about the studs 106.
The rear heel strap 102 is typically comprised of polyvinylchloride
(PVC) and exhibits an elastic characteristic. In the alternative,
the rear heel strap 102 can also be comprised of a flexible or
stretchable material such as, for example, silicon.
When it is desired to wear the convertible slide 100 on the foot,
it is first necessary to decide if the footwear is to be employed
as a conventional sandal or as a slide (i.e., as a strapless loose
fitting sandal). If the convertible slide 100 is to be used as a
slide-type sandal (such as when walking on the beach), then the
rear heel strap 102 is rotated about the outwardly extending studs
106 until the heel strap 102 is positioned over the smooth
contoured surface 132. This position is referred to as the raised
position above the vamp 104. The smooth contoured surface 132 shown
in FIG. 1 is shaped to receive the rear heel strap 102 as shown in
FIGS. 2-4. It is the contoured lip 108 molded on the top rear side
of the vamp 104 that serves to hold the rear heel strap 102 on the
smooth contoured surface 132 (i.e., in the raised position). Once
the rear heel strap 102 is positioned on the smooth contoured
surface 132, the foot can slide in between the top surface 122 of
the midsole 110 and the vamp 104. The forefoot is then positioned
so that the toes of the foot can grasp the toe bar 124 and the arch
of the foot is placed over the instep arch support 125. The
convertible slide 100 can then be worn as a strapless loose fitting
slide-type sandal.
If the convertible slide 100 is to be employed as a conventional
sandal then the rear heel strap 102 is moved off of the smooth
contoured surface 132 and past the contoured lip 108. The rear heel
strap 102 is then rotated from the raised position above the vamp
104 shown in FIG. 2 to a lowered position about the heel of the
foot shown in FIG. 1. The foot can then slide in between the top
surface 122 of the midsole 110 and the vamp 104. The forefoot is
then positioned so that the toes of the foot can grasp the toe bar
124 and the arch of the foot can be placed over the instep arch
support 125 as before. Finally, the rear heel strap 102 is securely
positioned behind the heel of the foot. The convertible slide 100
can then be worn as a conventional sandal with the rear heel strap
102 positioned about the heel of the foot to provide additional
stability as when walking on hard surfaces.
Thus, the elastic rear heel strap 102, which is rotatively
connected to the pair of outwardly extending studs 106 as shown in
FIG. 11, is rotatable between a first lowered position about the
heel of the foot and a second raised position above the vamp 104
which enables the sandal to be used with or without the elastic
heel strap 102, respectively. This feature provides the convertible
character of the slide-type sandal of the present invention.
A first alternative embodiment of the convertible slide of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 12 and is referred to by the
identification number 200. Each of the components appearing in the
alternative embodiment 200 that correspond in structure and
function to those components appearing in the preferred embodiment
100 is identified by the corresponding number of the 200
series.
The structural modifications appearing in the first alternative
embodiment 200 of the present invention are directed to the method
of attaching an elastic rear heel strap 202 to a vamp 204 and a
cushioned midsole 210 of the convertible slide 200 as shown in FIG.
12. Each slide-type sandal of the convertible slide 200 includes
two attachment points between the vamp 204 and the elastic rear
heel strap 202. Thus, the two attachment points require that each
side of the slide-type sandal includes the structure shown in FIG.
12. Thus, FIG. 12 shows the structure of only one of the two sides
of the sandal. One of a pair of side portions 218 which extends
upward from a top surface 222 of the midsole 210 is shown attached
to the vamp 204. The attachment between the vamp 204 and the side
portion 218 of the midsole 210 is achieved in exactly the same
manner as previously described with reference to the convertible
slide 100 of the preferred embodiment. The attachment is achieved
through bonding by the use of a suitable adhesive well known in the
art of footwear manufacturing.
The following description is directed to the method of rotatively
connecting each of a pair of terminal ends 236 of the rear heel
strap 202 to the vamp 204 and the midsole 210. One of a pair of
penetrations 242 is shown formed through the bonded combination of
the vamp 204 and side portion 218 of the midsole 210 in FIG. 12.
Also, one of a pair of penetrations 234 is shown formed through one
of the pair of terminal ends 236 in FIG. 12. It is noted that the
penetration 234 formed in the terminal end 236 shown in FIG. 12 is
horizontally aligned with the penetration 242 formed through the
vamp 204 and the upward extending side portion 218 of the midsole
210. A rivet 244 is inserted through the penetration 234 formed in
the terminal end 236 of the rear heel strap 202 and the penetration
242 formed through the vamp 204 and the side portion 218 of the
midsole 210. The rivet 244 thus functions to bind the rear heel
strap 202, the vamp 204 and the side portion 218 of the midsole 210
together. Additionally, the rivet 244 serves as a pivot point for
the rear heel strap 202 to rotate between a first lowered position
and a second raised position.
The rivet 244 can be comprised of, for example, plastic, metal,
nylon or other suitable material while the elastic rear heel strap
202 and the vamp 204 are each comprised of polyvinylchloride. As
with the preferred embodiment 100, the rear heel strap 202 can be
comprised of another suitable flexible material such as, for
example, silicon. Thus, during rotation of the rear heel strap 202
about the rivet 244, it is common for the friction between the heel
strap 202, the vamp 204 and the rivet 244 to interfere with smooth
rotation. In order to facilitate smoother rotation of the rear heel
strap 202 about the rivet 244, one of a first pair of nylon washer
separators 246 is placed on the inside of the rear heel strap 202
and one of a second pair of nylon washer separators 248 is placed
on the outside of the rear heel strap 202 as shown in FIG. 12.
Thus, the rear heel strap 202 can more freely rotate about the
rivet 244 between the first lowered position and the second raised
position. The remainder of the operation of the convertible slide
200 is duplicate to that as described for the convertible slide 100
of the preferred embodiment.
A second alternative embodiment of the convertible slide of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 13 and is referred to by the
identification number 300. Each of the components appearing in the
alternative embodiment 300 that correspond in structure and
function to those components appearing in the preferred embodiment
100 is identified by the corresponding number of the 300
series.
The structural modifications appearing in the second alternative
embodiment 300 of the present invention are directed to the method
of attaching an elastic rear heel strap 302 to a vamp 304 and a
cushioned midsole 310 of the convertible slide 300 as shown in FIG.
13. It is noted that the rear heel strap 302 can also be comprised
of other suitable flexible materials such as, for example, silicon.
Each slide-type sandal of the convertible slide 300 also includes
two attachment points between the vamp 304 and the elastic rear
heel strap 302. Thus, the two attachment points require that each
side of the slide-type sandal includes the structure shown in FIG.
13. Thus, FIG. 13 shows the structure of only one of the two sides
of the sandal. One of a pair of side portions 318 which extends
upward from a top surface 322 of the midsole 310 is shown attached
to the vamp 304. The attachment between the vamp 304 and the side
portion 318 of the midsole 310 is achieved in exactly the same
manner as previously described with reference to the convertible
slide 100 of the preferred embodiment. The attachment is achieved
through bonding by the use of a suitable adhesive well known in the
art of footwear manufacturing.
The following description is directed to the method of rotatively
connecting each of a pair of terminal ends 336 of the rear heel
strap 302 to the vamp 304 and the midsole 310.
One of a pair of penetrations 360 is shown formed through the
bonded combination of the vamp 304 and side portion 318 of the
midsole 310 in FIG. 13. Also, one of a pair of penetrations 334 is
shown formed through one of the pair of terminal ends 336 in FIG.
13. It is noted that the penetration 334 formed in the terminal end
336 shown in FIG. 13 is horizontally aligned with the penetration
360 formed through the vamp 304 and the upward extending side
portion 318 of the midsole 310. It is noted that more than one pair
of penetrations 334 can be formed through the pair of terminal ends
336 for the purpose of adjusting the tension in the rear heel strap
302.
One of a pair of threaded screws 362 is inserted through the
penetration 334 formed in the terminal end 336 of the rear heel
strap 302 and through the penetration 360 formed through the vamp
304 and the side portion 318 of the midsole 310. Aligned with the
threaded screw 362 and also passing through the penetration 360 and
the penetration 334 is a threaded receiver known as a T-nut 364.
The T-nut 364 includes internal threads that cooperate with the
threads of the screw 362 as shown in FIG. 13. The T-nut 364
includes a flat bottom 366 that fits into a recess 368 formed in
the interior wall of side portion 318 to avoid rubbing against the
foot placed adjacent the side portion 318 of the midsole 310. The
threaded screw 362 thus functions to bind together the rear heel
strap 302, the vamp 304 and the side portion 318 of the midsole
310. Additionally, the threaded screw 362 serves as a pivot point
for the rear heel strap 302 to facilitate rotation between a first
lowered position and a second raised position.
The face of the threaded screw 362 includes a pair of cross-grooves
370 as shown in FIG. 14. The cross-grooves 370 can be manipulated
by a screwdriver to remove or insert the threaded screw 362. The
threaded screw 362 is removable so that the elastic rear heel strap
302 can be disassembled and removed from the convertible slide 300.
Removing the rear heel strap 302 enables the amount of tension
therein to be adjusted by changing the penetration 334 in the rear
heel strap 302 that the threaded screw 362 is reinserted into.
The threaded screw 362 can be comprised of, for example, plastic,
metal, nylon or other suitable material while the elastic rear heel
strap 302 and the vamp 304 are each typically comprised of
polyvinylchloride. If friction between the heel strap 302, the vamp
304 and the threaded screw 362 interferes with the smooth rotation
of the rear heel strap 302 about the threaded screw 362, the method
illustrated and described in the convertible slide 200 of the first
alternative embodiment can also be employed in the convertible
slide 300. Thus, the rear heel strap 302 could more freely rotate
about the threaded screw 362 between the first lowered position and
the second raised position. The remainder of the operation of the
convertible slide 300 is duplicate to that as described for the
convertible slide 100 of the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides novel advantages over other
conventional sandal and slide-type sandal footwear known in the
art. A main advantage of the convertible slide 100 of the present
invention is that the elastic rear heel strap 102 is rotatable
about the pair of studs 106 between a first lowered position about
the heel of the foot to a second raised position above the vamp
104. This feature enables the sandal to be used with or without the
elastic rear heel strap 102, respectively, and thus provides the
convertible character of the slide-type sandal. Furthermore, the
convertible slide 100 of the present invention is simple to operate
since the rear heel strap 102 can be moved between the first
lowered position and the second raised position by, for example,
simple foot manipulation. Additionally, the convertible slide 100
exhibits a lightweight robust construction that is economical to
produce.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to
illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be
understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having
ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided
herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and
embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which
the present invention would be of significant utility.
It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and
all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the
scope of the present invention. accordingly,
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